Pakistan HC: We stand with Kashmiri brethren in their right to self-determination

Pakistan High Commission in the Maldives, on Friday, observed Kashmir Black Day, expressing solidarity with Kashmiris in their battle for the legitimate right to self-determination.

Each year, October 27 is observed across the world as ‘Kashmir Black Day’ – marking the day India without any legal justification, forcibly took control of the state of Jammu and Kashmir 75 years ago, on October 27, 1947.

The event to mark Kashmir Black Day was held at Pakistan High Commission in the Maldives in Hulhumale’, and was attended by Pakistani diaspora, Maldivians including academics, students and local journalists.

High Commissioner of Pakistan to the Maldives Vice Admiral (R) Muhammad Fayyaz Gilani, who spoke at the event, said the illegal Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, which began on October 27, 1947, has stifled the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiris to determine their own destiny.

“Over the last seventy-six years, India has not only reneged on its obligations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir but has also shown disregard to multilateralism by backtracking on the UNSC resolutions,” he stressed.

High Commissioner Gilani, stressing the people of Jammu and Kashmir, have endured endless oppression during this long period, said India has failed to blunt their resolve to realize their inalienable right to self-determination.

During his speech, he also paid homage to the exemplary courage of the Kashmiris in their continued fight for the right to self-determination while simultaneously resisting the Indian forces.

He added that the peace and stability in South Asia remain contingent upon the peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiris.

Availing the opportunity, High Commissioner Gilani also talked about the situation in the Middle East. He strongly condemned Israeli aggression on the innocent people of Palestine. The participants also expressed solidarity with the innocent people of Palestine.

Deputy High Commissioner Zulqurnain Ahmad, who had welcomed the guests to the function earlier, appreciated their sentiments for Kashmiris.

He spoke on the historic perspective of the Kashmir dispute and highlighted the UNSC resolutions on the Jammu and Kashmir. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the brotherly people of Maldives for feeling the pain of the Kashmiri brethren and supporting their just cause for attaining the legitimate right to self-determination.

At the event, a documentary on Jammu and Kashmir was showcased. A special dua was also offered for martyrs of Kashmir and Palestine and for their freedom from the occupation forces.